There's no age limit on learning, motivation or success. And if anyone gives you a hard time for being in the field since you're such an old fogie, give them a quick anatomy lesson, such as the structure of the human nose.

Disclaimer: I do not declare myself to be an expert on ANY subject. If I state something as fact that is obviously wrong, please don't hesitate to correct me. I welcome such corrections in an attempt to be as truthful and accurate as possible.

"Gullibility kills" - Carl Sagan
"All people know the same truth. Our lives consist of how we chose to distort it." - Harry Block
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." - Aristotle

I decided on a change of direction at a similar age and went to university to get a qualification. I went (almost) directly onto an MSc course despite not having a first degree (I did have to do a couple of years of part time study to get a diploma to show I was capable of study at that level). But both the university where I did my masters and subsequent employers thought that several years work experience was just as (more?) valuable than having come straight from university.

So... go for it!

Without wishing to overstate my case, everything in the observable universe definitely has its origins in Northamptonshire -- Alan Moore

Nomad:
My wife got her doctorate when she was 41(she is now a full professor). I had never gone to universities to get a degree as a ticket to getting a job. I never even asked for a degree when I left the academy(my 5th U.) at age 33 +. It never really mattered to me, I just took delight in the studies and enjoyed fitting various diciplines together.
Ten years later, when she was getting hooded, she asked me to get my degree also. So I went back to the university and asked for a degree. Which was an entertaining learning experience all it's own. They had literally sent my records to "the salt mine" for long term storage. After getting the bureaucratic run around: The dean I asked to sort it out called the people who had confusedly turned me down. She picked up the phone and said this is Barbara .........(slavic last name?) and they turned her down. And: She said that she couldn't help me. Pausing for a moment to gather my thoughts, I told her that I had had quite enough education at the taxpayers expense, and thought that no-one would benefit from my returning to the academy. I then asked her to repeat the phone call, but first, change her first name to "Dean". So she repeated the above, "Hi this is Dean ....(slavic last name?) and the jerks who had turned us down, suddenly became very helpful.
A few days later, I called and she said that my records had been sent to the salt mine, and she was having them sent to her. A few weeks later, I went to the u. again, and walked into her office and asked if she had gotten the records. She produced a rather large folder from her desk drawer, and said "What would you like your degrees in"?
So, i sat among hundreds of other degree candidates, all dressed in blue caps and gowns, none of whom I knew, as my beloved wife, mother of my children, walked across the stage decked out in the colorful robes of doctorates. Damned quirky, but I enjoyed the irony of it, and took joy in her accomplishments.

Point being You ain't to old to follow your mind into new studies, and likely wiser than me in seeking a degree as a ticket to getting a better job.

The "job" thing is highly dependent on the economy, and even wisened economists couldn't tell you what it will be like 4-6-8 years down the road.
Don't let that slow you down.
As an adult, you have an edge on most of the students you will get to know.
Get to know your deans, demand real advise from any academic advisors who are assigned to you.
When you know the specific job you want, contact the employers and ask them if they prefer certain classes.
You only got one life. Do what you want to do.

I turned 37 in January, I will just be completing a piddly little AAS degree this December. Its in IT not biology but age should never be a barrier to bettering yourself and improving your employ-ability. these days you see more and more mature adults going back to school than ever. Many people are going back to school to prevent agism. And it works. Often when a company wants to discretely remove someone on account of age, they will claim that your qualifications are outdated. They can get away with that. But if you keep your education up to date, they can't easily get away with age discrimination. They know it will cost them more to let you go than to keep you, considering if you have kept your education up to date, they have no valid reason to dismiss you and your lawyer can prove discrimination.

Speaking badly about people after they are gone and jumping on the bash the band wagon must do very well for a low self-esteem.

First off you are not too old, but it could be a long path ahead of you depending on just how qualified you wish to become.
Realistically you could be spending the next 8 or 9 years of your life getting to PhD level, more if you do further
postdoctoral study. This would bring you upto the level where you could think about applying for assistant/professorship to
teach biology.

However there are many alternatives for working in this field and the level of your degree will help determine the types of positions
available to you. For example a Bachelor's degree would help enable you to work for a biotech company conducting some types of lab work or
analysis, whilst generally companies may have been expecting to employ younger recruits, your age shouldn't present a barrier provided you
can demonstrate enough passion, commitment and ability.

I can provide you with some websites for British support and careers advice for the field of biology, if you get in touch with them they
should be able to put you in touch with their US counterparts. Also I will provide you with the link for a website that deals with helping
people who wish to study get the necessary funding whilst they do so.

If you can find the time let us know how you get on and if you need any further help just ask, I really wish you well with your dream and
all the best for the future.

Disclaimer: I do not declare myself to be an expert on ANY subject. If I state something as fact that is obviously wrong, please don't hesitate to correct me. I welcome such corrections in an attempt to be as truthful and accurate as possible.

"Gullibility kills" - Carl Sagan
"All people know the same truth. Our lives consist of how we chose to distort it." - Harry Block
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." - Aristotle

I agree that age is just a number in most respects. But I find it ironic that so many people are pushing that idea here while another new member was practically treated as if he was late to his own funeral when he first joined.I was so confused by how he was being welcomed to the forum that I really couldn't join in on the conversation because I didn't know how. Maybe I misinterpret intentions, I do that often. But isn't 86 also just a number?

Speaking badly about people after they are gone and jumping on the bash the band wagon must do very well for a low self-esteem.

Well, if you are 70, I am having a hard time believing that. That you are 70 that is.

That's a compliment. You don't look 70. I'll shut up now.

Disclaimer: I do not declare myself to be an expert on ANY subject. If I state something as fact that is obviously wrong, please don't hesitate to correct me. I welcome such corrections in an attempt to be as truthful and accurate as possible.

"Gullibility kills" - Carl Sagan
"All people know the same truth. Our lives consist of how we chose to distort it." - Harry Block
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." - Aristotle

Resident of Big Island of Hawai'i since 2003, and in Bayside, Ca. since 1981, Humboldt since 1977

Posts

12,572

July 28th, 2013, 11:27 PM

Originally Posted by seagypsy

I agree that age is just a number in most respects. But I find it ironic that so many people are pushing that idea here while another new member was practically treated as if he was late to his own funeral when he first joined.I was so confused by how he was being welcomed to the forum that I really couldn't join in on the conversation because I didn't know how. Maybe I misinterpret intentions, I do that often. But isn't 86 also just a number?

I agree that age is just a number in most respects. But I find it ironic that so many people are pushing that idea here while another new member was practically treated as if he was late to his own funeral when he first joined.I was so confused by how he was being welcomed to the forum that I really couldn't join in on the conversation because I didn't know how. Maybe I misinterpret intentions, I do that often. But isn't 86 also just a number?

Physically, 86 is much different than 70.

I understand that, but why then do people say age is just a number, when it isn't. It's an indicator of how much deterioration one's body is probably undergone and possibly their mind.

I guess I will never understand the logic of cliches.. or use of them. To me they just perpetrate nonsense and stereotypes.

Speaking badly about people after they are gone and jumping on the bash the band wagon must do very well for a low self-esteem.

Resident of Big Island of Hawai'i since 2003, and in Bayside, Ca. since 1981, Humboldt since 1977

Posts

12,572

July 29th, 2013, 12:36 AM

Originally Posted by seagypsy

Originally Posted by babe

Originally Posted by seagypsy

I agree that age is just a number in most respects. But I find it ironic that so many people are pushing that idea here while another new member was practically treated as if he was late to his own funeral when he first joined.I was so confused by how he was being welcomed to the forum that I really couldn't join in on the conversation because I didn't know how. Maybe I misinterpret intentions, I do that often. But isn't 86 also just a number?

Physically, 86 is much different than 70.

I understand that, but why then do people say age is just a number, when it isn't. It's an indicator of how much deterioration one's body is probably undergone and possibly their mind.

I guess I will never understand the logic of cliches.. or use of them. To me they just perpetrate nonsense and stereotypes.

But there is truth in them.....so they do not perpetuate nonsense or stereotypes.

One 60 year old female may be fit, etc, and another a mess.

Same with a 40 year old, or a 25 year old.

Consider the young man who just died from an OD of heroin in his what....30's...

that wasn't a cliche, it wasn't a stereotype....it was an individual.

BUT in all honesty....and anyone knows this!

You do not move as well when you are 50 as you did at 40. You don't hurt more as you get older. More physical problems happen also.

I agree that age is just a number in most respects. But I find it ironic that so many people are pushing that idea here while another new member was practically treated as if he was late to his own funeral when he first joined.I was so confused by how he was being welcomed to the forum that I really couldn't join in on the conversation because I didn't know how. Maybe I misinterpret intentions, I do that often. But isn't 86 also just a number?

Physically, 86 is much different than 70.

I understand that, but why then do people say age is just a number, when it isn't. It's an indicator of how much deterioration one's body is probably undergone and possibly their mind.

I guess I will never understand the logic of cliches.. or use of them. To me they just perpetrate nonsense and stereotypes.

But there is truth in them.....so they do not perpetuate nonsense or stereotypes.

One 60 year old female may be fit, etc, and another a mess.

Same with a 40 year old, or a 25 year old.

Consider the young man who just died from an OD of heroin in his what....30's...

that wasn't a cliche, it wasn't a stereotype....it was an individual.

BUT in all honesty....and anyone knows this!

You do not move as well when you are 50 as you did at 40. You don't hurt more as you get older. More physical problems happen also.

Not cliche's and not stereotypes, but TYPICAL!

SO we shall have to disagree on this one.

I'm more confused now than I was before. So its typical that one does not get around as well at 50 than at 40. But its still true that age is just a number? What am I misunderstanding here? It seems your explanation contradicted itself several times. I think I need to dig out NT to HFA dictionary again.

Speaking badly about people after they are gone and jumping on the bash the band wagon must do very well for a low self-esteem.

Resident of Big Island of Hawai'i since 2003, and in Bayside, Ca. since 1981, Humboldt since 1977

Posts

12,572

July 29th, 2013, 12:54 AM

Originally Posted by seagypsy

Originally Posted by babe

Originally Posted by seagypsy

Originally Posted by babe

Originally Posted by seagypsy

I agree that age is just a number in most respects. But I find it ironic that so many people are pushing that idea here while another new member was practically treated as if he was late to his own funeral when he first joined.I was so confused by how he was being welcomed to the forum that I really couldn't join in on the conversation because I didn't know how. Maybe I misinterpret intentions, I do that often. But isn't 86 also just a number?

Physically, 86 is much different than 70.

I understand that, but why then do people say age is just a number, when it isn't. It's an indicator of how much deterioration one's body is probably undergone and possibly their mind.

I guess I will never understand the logic of cliches.. or use of them. To me they just perpetrate nonsense and stereotypes.

But there is truth in them.....so they do not perpetuate nonsense or stereotypes.

One 60 year old female may be fit, etc, and another a mess.

Same with a 40 year old, or a 25 year old.

Consider the young man who just died from an OD of heroin in his what....30's...

that wasn't a cliche, it wasn't a stereotype....it was an individual.

BUT in all honesty....and anyone knows this!

You do not move as well when you are 50 as you did at 40. You don't hurt more as you get older. More physical problems happen also.

Not cliche's and not stereotypes, but TYPICAL!

SO we shall have to disagree on this one.

I'm more confused now than I was before. So its typical that one does not get around as well at 50 than at 40. But its still true that age is just a number? What am I misunderstanding here? It seems your explanation contradicted itself several times. I think I need to dig out NT to HFA dictionary again.

It depends on the person. NO TWO PEOPLE are alike. No two people have the same experience in health and vitality or mobility or even mental health as they age. That is why it is contradictory.

Take 5 - 60 year olds you know, then 5 65 year olds....and up to 85 years old. Sit down and compare, their memory skills, physical problems, and agility. No two people are alike.

You both actually agree. Your round about presentation, Babe interfered on this one.
A backhanded, "Age is just a number (But only on a case by case basis)" refutes itself by it's very exception. That said, 'age is not just a number.' It is an age. And a persons state or condition at any age can vary heavily.

Resident of Big Island of Hawai'i since 2003, and in Bayside, Ca. since 1981, Humboldt since 1977

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July 29th, 2013, 04:23 AM

Originally Posted by Neverfly

You both actually agree. Your round about presentation, Babe interfered on this one.
A backhanded, "Age is just a number (But only on a case by case basis)" refutes itself by it's very exception. That said, 'age is not just a number.' It is an age. And a persons state or condition at any age can vary heavily.

I say it in my own way, AND I ALWAYS WILL, like it or not, and frankly your comment as to "interfering" is demeaning and rude.

Well, if you are 70, I am having a hard time believing that. That you are 70 that is.

That's a compliment. You don't look 70. I'll shut up now.

Thank you!! I am not seventy! I just turned 60.....and still a firecracker!

That would explain it then.

"age is just a number" is an idiom that means that stereotypes about age are not always accurate.

I got that with English not being my native language.

Seagypsy: who was the 86 year old that was treated like that?

Disclaimer: I do not declare myself to be an expert on ANY subject. If I state something as fact that is obviously wrong, please don't hesitate to correct me. I welcome such corrections in an attempt to be as truthful and accurate as possible.

"Gullibility kills" - Carl Sagan
"All people know the same truth. Our lives consist of how we chose to distort it." - Harry Block
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." - Aristotle

I say it in my own way, AND I ALWAYS WILL, like it or not, and frankly your comment as to "interfering" is demeaning and rude.

Oh, too bad. If you're unclear and using idioms that others may find confusing- it interfered. If you dislike that and find it demeaning and rude, then I suggest you adjust your sensitivity levels.

Originally Posted by babe

I put up with neither.

EVER.

Go ahead and refuse to put up with it, then. If I also say that you are ignorant about certain fields of science, you can stomp your feet and declare that you won't tolerate being told that you are ignorant all you want. You will still be ignorant with the added bonus of an overly sensitive temper.

Originally Posted by babe

Have some respect.

You do not get to demand respect, which is earned, while you fail to show respect for others.

You joined a Science Forum and then proceeded to spam multiple threads with claims of Supernatural Function. You then got irritable when scientific people refuted your commentary and not once have I EVER seen you admit to your faults, rather, you make excuses and duck and dodge.
Now you throw a fit and try to muscle your weight around because you expressed yourself poorly and disliked being questioned about it and further disliked being told that your absurdity, "Age is just a number" is an absurdity and it interfered with itself. Well, it's still an absurdity. It is still a nonsense statement.
On a Science Forum, clarity in communication and precision of terms is a standard.

And I repeat: If you are feeling offended for being dressed down for your bad behavior- Too bad. I am under no obligation to make you feel happy, happy- joy, joy at all times.

Originally Posted by babe

Originally Posted by seagypsy

I agree that age is just a number in most respects. But I find it ironic that so many people are pushing that idea here while another new member was practically treated as if he was late to his own funeral when he first joined.I was so confused by how he was being welcomed to the forum that I really couldn't join in on the conversation because I didn't know how. Maybe I misinterpret intentions, I do that often. But isn't 86 also just a number?

Physically, 86 is much different than 70.

THIS is what you actually said. And you got called on it. Deal with it instead of accusing others of being "demeaning and rude."

granted I don't always understand underlying tones right when people are talking. I try but when I can't figure it out, I tend to stay quiet or ask for clarification. But last time I asked for clarification I got banned. So I won't bother doing that again.

Speaking badly about people after they are gone and jumping on the bash the band wagon must do very well for a low self-esteem.

By all means, please put me on ignore. I'm fed up with your crank pseudoscience and arrogant excuses you make for it while backpeddling at 75 miles per hour. You've had no trouble justifying your rudeness (Poorly, at that) to yourself. Enjoy it.

Back in 2004, I was enrolled in a Biology degree program back in the UK (Where I'm from originally), but had to drop out due to some family issues.

Life, up until now, has prevented me from getting back into the sciences. I have a wonderful wife and daughter that have given me their blessings to pursue this.

So far I've got the following sorted:

I need to complete my GED (now living in the US) because I didn't technically complete high school.

Have sent emails to the program heads of the courses I'm interested in (Biology BS courses)

Been reading a whole load of journals and magazines to make sure I'm up to speed with current happenings in the science world - new Scientist, Nature, and Science to name a few...

Do I have a realistic chance of securing employment in the field upon graduation? Does the science world have any kind of ageism to overcome at all? Not that I mind a bit of hard work.

Also looking for some website references to look into scientific careers and to potentially make so good contacts?

Appreciate any thoughts, suggestions, or ideas to push me along in the right direction. Happy to provide more information on myself should that be necessary.

-Nomad

I don't think you will have a hard time getting employed right after your study. I believe no age limit to pursue your dreams. The satisfaction that it will give to you is a great experience and become an inspiration to others. Just do what you want as long as you have the support of your family you will achieve the best of the best!

Dreams are illustrations... from the book your soul is writing about you.
‒ Marsha Norman